COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTIONThis beer is based on a beverage that may have been enjoyed by the Etruscans of Ancient Italy around 800 BC. For this one Sam traveled to Italy with Dr. Pat McGovern where they met up with Teo and Leo (Sam’s buddies from Baladin Brewery and Birra Del Borgo respectively) and researched ingredients from various Etruscan dig sites. The result of their research is a strong ale containing an Italian heirloom grain called Cappelli Senatore, along with pomegranate juice, raisins, and hazelnut flour, together with 3 types of honey: chestnut, wildflower, and clover. The brew was then spiced with several hop flowers, Gentian root and tree resin (think Myrrh) in the kettle. To simulate fermentation in a bronze vessel (which possibly would have been what the Etruscans used), we actually tied a bronze plate inside our modern stainless fermenter which was suspended in the wort as it fermented. The aroma is dominated by pomegranate and spice from the yeast. The flavor is an intriguing interplay between the tangy pomegranate fruit and nuttiness from the hazelnut flower. One can definitely envision sipping this unique brew while relaxing on the Mediterranean coast. Versions of this brew will also be made at Baladin and Birra Del Borgo with the same ingredients but varying processes.

Bottle and served in Duvel snifter: The color is a beautiful mahogany but the head is fizzy and fades fast leaving no lacework whatsoever. The aroma is a striking combination of honey, toffee, wheat husks, herbaceous spice notes, faint medicinal esters and plenty of tangy pomegranate and raisin juice vapours. It smells like a spiced up wheat wine or barleywine. The taste happily not overtly sweet nor boozy even though it is easy to discover the malt and experience the alcohol. The twangy (and even faintly tart) fruit and earthy spice notes adds a nice balance to make this a well rounded sipper. The mouth feel is a tad chalky and metallic, this would be the one area of needed improvement. Overall I only bought this on a recommendation because it just seemed too out there but overall it works and is enjoyable... that said I doubt I would buy this again.

UPDATED: FEB 13, 2014 I’m really impressed with this beer. A sweet malty bready raisiney goodness. Clear and not much lace or anything so nothing much to look at, but really tasty if you are a fan of sweeter belgians since it reminds me of one.

Very quick head, zero carbonation after initial pour, light honey and belgian yeast in the nose. Honey and bubble gum in the finish. This is one of those brews that make a great beverage but not so much a beer. I would drink again.

UPDATED: AUG 25, 2014 Neat idea - bad beer. +++ Sampled on draft at Hou Thou this beer poured a caramel-amber color with a small foamy white head that faded and left no lacing. The aroma was medicinal with a strong pepper corn presence. The flavor was apple, almost cinnamon, a fairly strong medicinal presence, strong pepper corn and some perfume. Long medicinal pepper corn finish. Medium body. Not good.

Bottle: It’s a beautiful mahogany, red color with quickly disappearing tan foam. Smells of honey, florals, some spice and wood, dark fruit. comments from wifey, "It smells like nag champa. It tastes like a dirty hippy." The flavor is fruit and honey sweetness with just a bit of tartness, dark brown sugar, a bit of powdery toasty bitterness. Also a touch of woody spice blending with a slightly numbing medicinal quality. I like it, reminds me of a dubbel, but less heavy on the un-aged sweetness, and with a slightly medicinal quality. It’s all over the place, yet cohesive, considering origin. Slightly syrupy with very lively, quick carb. The lingers with a sweet, fruity note. What a wild style.

1pt 9.4fl oz bottle poured into an English pint. Bronze with an ample amount of quickly fading off-white lively head. Aroma is grape and some sort of spice. Flavor is sour grapes and slight honey. Finish is muted cinnamon and dirt. Very interesting brew; I really like this. Another win for Sam's Ancient Ales.
---Rated via Beer Buddy for iPhone

Draft to taster. Looks good; a transparent bronze with off-white lacing. Smells solid; dark fruit, spices, and what seems like Belgian yeast; maybe a bit of toastiness too. Tastes like it smells with an average mouthfeel. Pretty good.

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